Our Mission

The Preservation of French Classical Equitation

Mission Statement

The Foundation for the Equestrian Arts was formed to support the continuing existence of French Classical Equitation. We do this through teaching lessons, offering educational seminars, publishing books on the topic (particularly by rarely heard historic writers but also by contemporary trainers working in this manner). We support the continuation of this ancient art by credentialing trainers and teachers working this way, and by offering life-long support to actively credentialed trainers and instructors. We also support the continuing existence of French Classical Equitation through any other means that we feel will help preserve this imperiled art.

Equitation as an art form, as a means of expressing the beauty of the connection between one individual rider and one individual horse, has a long and rich history. Many trainers across time have written and spoken eloquently of this deep and peaceful conversation. Great classical training offers us wonderful riding horses. Horses trained in this way remain for decades a delightful partner and a deepening joy to ride.

For centuries the French court supported the development of riding as an art form, but the needs of the military began to have more weight than those of the art world when the French revolution uprooted French culture in the latter part of the 18th century.

Today when people think of “dressage” (a term that is simply the French word for ‘training’) they’ll often say it’s founded on military riding. What they are doing is, though it’s far removed from the old military riding. What we are doing is not based on the military work.

The ancient, deeply connected voices are fading behind the noisy clamor of modern competition and the push to market new trends and make money from new concepts. Ancient, quieter, deeply investigated ways of interacting with the horse are at risk of disappearing entirely. This old form of equitation is well worth preserving. Along with the horse connection, this older way of working supports the human mind and heart in balance.

The Foundation was formed to preserve those old voices. It is a living legacy.

 We invite you to make a donation and join us in supporting this mission.

We welcome you to join our students from across the world in learning this beautiful way of working, taking your part in preserving this ancient form of communication between horse and rider.

Contact us to find an FEA credentialed instructor that you can work with in person or online.